The air we breathe indoors is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and considered to be among the top hazards to our health according to the EPA.
The paints and finishes used in home interiors are among the leading causes to our unhealthy indoor air. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are toxic emissions that are released into indoor air through paints and finishes, sometimes for years after they were applied. The good news is that new environmental regulations, and consumer interest in green building, have led to the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints and finishes. Most of the paint manufacturers have stepped up to the task, and produce a variety of low- or zero-VOC paint. These new paints are durable, cost-effective and less harmful to the health of our family and our environment.
Here are a few resources to consider for your next indoor painting project:
- Real Milk Paint Co.Check out Real Milk Paint Company for an environmentally friendly paint that is suitable for decks, walls, and antique furniture. Milk paint comes in a bag, can be mixed with virtually any color pigment, and mixed with water. This company also offers milk paint thinner and a citrus solvent (a natural alternative for traditional paint thinner and mineral spirits).
- Natura Interior PaintBenjamin Moore has a new line of zero-VOC premium interior paints called Natura that are durable and fast-drying. These come in a variety of colors and are virtually odorless. Check out their website for more information on this green paint alternative.
- Sherwin-Williams Eco-Friendly Paint LineSherwin-Williams have several eco-friendly products sold under their Green-Sure Initiative – their commitment to providing products that reduce the impact on the environment. Their Duration brand home interior latex paint is low in VOC, mildew resistant, and cleans up with soap and water. Check out also their Harmony brand (zero-VOC) latex paint, and E-barrier, a reflective energy efficient coating to reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 15% (certified by an independent lab).
- Livos Natural ProductsLivos all-natural products include sealers, stains, finishes, and thinners for wood flooring, and other exterior and interior uses. Their wood stains come in a variety of decorative colors, and can be used on interior wood, OSB and MDF-boards, as well as on exterior wood surfaces. Also available is Kunos Natural Oil sealer, a natural polyurethane alternative that is perfect for preserving every high traffic indoor surface from countertops to floors.
